A D4vd hearing in Los Angeles featured graphic evidence, as prosecutors said David Anthony Burke ordered tools online after Celeste Rivas Hernandez died.
A D4vd hearing in Los Angeles took a disturbing turn on Tuesday as prosecutors displayed graphic evidence in the murder case against singer David Anthony Burke, who performs under the stage name D4vd. The court saw crime scene photos and heard testimony about items investigators say were ordered online after 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez died.
Prosecutors said Burke, twenty-one, has been charged with murdering and sexually abusing the girl and has pleaded not guilty. They told the court that Celeste’s body was found last year inside a Tesla registered to Burke in Hollywood, Los Angeles, and that the evidence presented in the preliminary hearing links him to her death. A homicide detective testified that Burke allegedly ordered a body bag, chainsaws, an inflatable pool and a shovel in the days after Celeste died.
The hearing marked the first time the public saw the photographs and evidence that had previously been described only in court filings. Prosecutors say Burke stabbed Celeste and then dismembered her body with a chainsaw in an effort to hide the killing after years of alleged sexual abuse. They also alleged that he killed her because she had threatened to expose the abuse and damage his music career.
Celeste’s parents were in the courtroom and heard the details for the first time in full. Their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, said they were horrified by what they saw and heard. He described one image as showing Celeste’s torso and head in the trunk of the car and said the picture was so graphic that the prosecutor had to ask what it was. He said the family had been warned in advance, but that seeing the evidence still left them shaken.
“A D4vd hearing in Los Angeles featured graphic evidence, as prosecutors said David Anthony Burke ordered tools online after Celeste Rivas Hernandez died.”
Steinfeld said Celeste’s mother, Mercedes, chose to remain in court to support her daughter despite being told she could step out. He said he urged both parents to leave briefly once the images were displayed, but they decided to stay. He described them as a very private family facing a parent’s worst nightmare.
The courtroom itself was packed before the hearing began. Journalists, YouTubers, TikTok creators and members of the public had entered a lottery for limited seats. Burke appeared in an orange jail uniform, chained at the wrists and ankles, and briefly greeted his defense team before answering the judge with a quiet good morning and yes, Your Honour.
Testimony from Detective Joshua Byers changed the tone in the room. Prosecutor Beth Silverman warned Celeste’s parents before each graphic image and checked whether they wanted to look away. Byers testified that he opened a cadaver bag inside the Tesla and found decomposed human remains, including a torso and a head, with severed limbs in another bag underneath. He said the body had decomposed so badly that the face was no longer recognizable.
Investigators also presented evidence of purchases delivered to Burke’s address under an alias after Celeste’s death, including chainsaws, body bags and an inflatable pool. The court was shown tattoos prosecutors say connect Burke and Celeste, including a red-ink tattoo reading Celeste on Burke’s left ring finger and a Shhh... tattoo on his right index finger. Prosecutors also showed a photo of Celeste with a similar tattoo and another picture of a hand with two fingers cut off. The hearing is expected to continue for several days as prosecutors try to show enough evidence for the case to go to trial. For American readers, the case is a grim reminder of how allegations of abuse and concealment can unfold into a public courtroom test, and what happens next will decide whether the case advances to a jury.
Frequently asked questions
What is D4vd accused of in this case?
Prosecutors say David Anthony Burke is charged with murdering and sexually abusing Celeste Rivas Hernandez. He has pleaded not guilty.
What evidence did the court hear about at the hearing?
The court saw crime scene photos and heard testimony about items investigators say were ordered online after Celeste died. A detective testified that decomposed remains, including a torso and head, were found in a Tesla registered to Burke.
What items did investigators say were ordered after Celeste died?
A detective testified that Burke allegedly ordered a body bag, chainsaws, an inflatable pool, and a shovel in the days after Celeste died. The article also says these purchases were delivered to Burke’s address under an alias.
What happens next in the case?
The preliminary hearing is expected to continue for several days. Prosecutors are trying to present enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
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